Congresswoman Maxine Waters: Reclaiming Her Time!
September 10, 2017 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Cover Story, Feature, Photos
Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California was recently awarded the “Social Humanitarian Award” during BET’s broadcast of “Black Girls Rock.” She once again “reclaimed her time,” giving an impassioned acceptance speech that has gone viral all over the world:
“I am extremely grateful for the recognition I am receiving this evening. But, I want you to know if not for the love and respect shown to me by black women — those right wing ultra conservative alt-right haters in this country, who would have me believe: I’m too black, I’m too confrontational, I’m too tough and I am too disrespectful of them.
But, now I know I am simply a strong black woman. I am you and you are me. We have power and we have influence. We can do things that others have told us we can’t do.
I don’t care how big you are, I don’t care how high you think you are — if you come for me, I’m coming for you. And so whether it’s the President of the United States of America or any of his cabinet — we will say to them: “We will resist you. We will not allow you to damage this country the way that you are doing. We will not allow you to take us backwards.” Not only will we resist you, we will impeach you Mr. President. And so I know that you are inspired as much as I am this evening. I want you to know that I said and I will say over, and over again. “I am reclaiming my time!”
Waters’s passion is nothing new to Washington watchers. She is considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics, with a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor.
Elected in November 2016 to her fourteenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives with more than 76 percent of the vote, Congresswoman Waters represents a large part of South Los Angeles — including the communities of Westchester, Playa Del Rey, and Watts and the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County comprised of Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, Harbor Gateway and El Camino Village. The 43rd District that she represents also includes the diverse cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita and Torrance.
Congresswoman Waters serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services. An integral member of Congressional Democratic Leadership, Congresswoman Waters serves as a member of the Steering & Policy Committee. She is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and member and past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.